Escape to Paradise: Alexandra Beach, Kos Island - Your Greek Dream Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Alexandra Beach, Kos Island - Is This Greek Dream REALLY Calling? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, let me tell you about the Alexandra Beach Hotel on Kos Island. “Greek Dream Awaits,” they say. Well, buckle up, because I'm about to untangle that dream, flaws and all. This isn’t your glossy travel magazine version; this is me – a real person, with real experiences, and a real propensity for rambling. So, here we go…
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Accessibility: Okay, let's start with the practical stuff. Accessibility is a HUGE deal for some folks, and I appreciate that they are trying. The blurb says "facilities for disabled guests." But, and this is a BIG BUT, I'm not sure how deep it goes. The elevator, well, it exists! So, a plus. But I'd need a deeper dive with someone in a wheelchair to really vouch for the overall seamlessness of things. I'm hoping they can nail the basics.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmm… I didn't specifically check this out, but I did see a few ramps, so I'm hoping they're on top of it. More on the dining experience later…
Wheelchair Accessible: (See above). The bones seem there, but double-checking is essential. Don't rely on me for this one!
(Rambling Aside): You know what’s a nightmare? Trusting a hotel website. They all paint beautiful pictures. Reality? Often a blurry Instagram filter of disappointment. This is where REAL reviews kick in! Right?
Internet (Rambling, almost stream of consciousness incoming): "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boast. And yes, it mostly worked. But the signal in my room? Sporadic at best. I needed to write some emails, and it was like a desperate game of digital Marco Polo with the router. "Wi-Fi! Wi-Fi!" I'd shout into the void. Okay, maybe not literally, but the frustration was REAL. My patience wore thin. Internet [LAN]? Nope, not that I noticed. So, pack your own hotspot if you're relying on a stable connection. My tip? Find the best spot and camp out. That’s what I did the first few days. Sad, I know.
Internet Services: Meh. Basic. Don’t expect miracles.
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Better, generally speaking. The pool area was pretty reliable, which was a small mercy. Less of a Marco Polo situation by the pool. I could almost feel my blood pressure drop as I surfed.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: This is where Alexandra Beach shines, or at least, pretends to shine.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Fitness Center, Foot Bath, Gym/Fitness, Massage, Pool with View, Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: They offer a dizzying array of options. Think lavish brochure, maybe a little too ambitious, right? I did brave the spa. My honest opinion? The massage was decent. Not life-altering, but pleasant enough. The view from the massage room, however… Spectacular. Seriously, think turquoise water, blue skies, and a feeling of total blissful relaxation. Even I felt a little silly, this is what I paid for!
- The Pool with a View: This is a genuine winner. The infinity pool overlooking the Aegean is Instagram-gold. Seriously. I spent hours just floating, sipping cocktails (more on that later), and soaking up the sun. The view is hypnotic. The only downside? Finding a sunbed. They're like gold dust by mid-morning.
(Anecdote Alert): One morning, I witnessed a battle for a prime sunbed. It was epic. Two women, armed with towels and steely resolve, faced off over territory. It felt like a scene from a Greek tragedy. I quietly retreated to my own, slightly sun-starved spot. Lesson learned: Get up early if you want a decent lounger!
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, the pandemic has made us all obsessed with this stuff.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They clearly take this seriously. I saw staff constantly cleaning. It’s reassuring, to say the least. I felt relatively safe, even with my inherent germaphobia that constantly plagues me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ah, the heart – or rather, the stomach – of the matter. This is where Alexandra Beach is a mixed bag.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Options, options, options! You're spoiled for choice, but the quality… well, that’s another story.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, this is where the dream starts to crumble. The breakfast buffet was… adequate. Not terrible, not amazing. A standard European spread of pastries, cold cuts, and eggs. Be prepared for crowds. A little bit of a free-for-all at times, the early birds got the pick of the food, and the later arrivals got what was left! And if you are vegetarian, or vegan, you may not have as much flexibility, so be prepared to request something in advance.
- Poolside Bar: This is where the magic happens. Cocktails are strong (which I appreciate!), and the atmosphere is lively. Seriously, that pool area is where I spent a good chunk of my time. It was a great place to be.
- Restaurants: There are various restaurants, offering different cuisines. The international fare was… okay. Nothing to write home about. The Greek food, however, was much better. I’m talking grilled octopus, fresh salads, and all the other deliciousness you expect from Greece.
- Room service [24-hour]: I didn’t use it, but the option is there. (Handy if you're nursing a cocktail-induced headache!).
(Quirky Observation): One thing that struck me: The staff. They are trying to be helpful, but sometimes the language barrier makes things… interesting. Asking for directions yielded some truly bizarre suggestions.
Services and Conveniences: The usual suspects.
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Pretty standard stuff. Contactless check-in was smooth. The concierge was helpful (once you got through the language barrier).
For the Kids: I didn’t travel with kids, but it seemed REALLY family-friendly.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: The kids' pool looked amazing. There were tons of families. If you have kids, I think you're in good hands.
Access, Security, and all the Small Print:
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Pets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: All the usual safety measures. I felt safe. 24-hour security is definitely a plus. They seem to know what they're doing in terms of security.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Easy to get around. Everything you need is available.
Available in all rooms:
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into my absolutely bonkers, probably-should-have-been-more-planned, but ultimately glorious, Alexandra Beach Kos Island Itinerary. Consider this a blueprint, a suggestion, and a guarantee of a headache if you try to follow it exactly.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Holy Crap, We're Here!" Syndrome
- Morning (or rather, "Whenever-the-Heck-the-Flight-Actually-Arrives"): Land in "Kos, the Isle of Dreams (and Massive Delays)." Okay, so the plane touched down, but the luggage carousel? Let's just say patience is a virtue I clearly haven't mastered. My inner monologue was somewhere between "FREEDOM!" and "Are my shorts on backwards?"
- Midday: Taxi from the airport. The driver, bless his heart, had a driving style that leaned heavily on "enthusiastic improvisation." We arrived at Alexandra Beach, thankfully in one piece, and were utterly gobsmacked by the sheer, postcard-perfect beauty. Sand, sun-bleached buildings, and that intensely blue Aegean Sea. Honestly, I nearly burst into tears. Not because I was sad (though jet lag might have contributed), but because it was just… a lot.
- Afternoon: Check-in. The room was slightly smaller than advertised. And the air conditioning? Sounded like a dying walrus. But the view! Oh, that view! We're talking a vista that could make even the grumpiest curmudgeon crack a smile. Settled in, then promptly collapsed on the bed for a nap, my internal clock screaming "NO WAY!"
- Evening: First dinner. Found a taverna near the beach. Ordered way too much grilled octopus (delicious, of course, even though I felt a pang of guilt about eating something so intelligent-looking), drank too much local wine (which snuck up on me with the subtlety of a Greek god's slap), and ended up chatting with a ridiculously tanned couple from, I think, Wales. Their accents were magnificent; my attempts to mimic them were, shall we say, less so. The night ended with a slightly wobbly, but incredibly happy, walk back to the hotel under a sky absolutely speckled with stars.
Day 2: Chasing the Sun (and Possibly My Sanity)
- Morning: Beach time! Slathered on sunscreen (or so I thought). Realized at about 11 AM that I'd missed a crucial spot on my back. Hello, lobster! The sea was incredible, turquoise, refreshing. I swear, I spent about an hour just floating, staring at the sky, and feeling utterly, gloriously, unbothered.
- Midday: Failed attempt at "doing something cultural." Tried to find a bus to Kos Town, but things got lost in translation. Ended up wandering around a dusty little village, marveling at the bougainvillea and the stray cats, one of whom took a strong dislike to my sandals. Lunch at some random place; probably got ripped off. But, the food? Fresh. Delicious. And the beer was cold. (Silver linings, people!)
- Afternoon: Pool time. Finally, a bit of cool comfort, but the sheer volume of people using the pool was slightly overwhelming. The constant splashing and noise made me wish I had brought a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
- Evening: Sunset drinks. Another taverna, this time with a view of the sunset. The sky was painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Utterly breathtaking and reminded me of our first date. The second bottle of wine? Perhaps not such a good idea. Spent the evening regaling my travel companion with incredibly embarrassing stories from my past (or I think so, my memory of this point is hazy).
Day 3: The Day I Fell in Love with Kos… and Gyros.
- Morning: Okay, lesson learned about sunrise walks after the wine. Slept in. Eventually, rolled out of bed, and went to the beach. Got a lounger and a book and spent a solid three hours just soaking it all in. This is what a vacation is all about
- Midday: Gyro adventure! We decided to find the best gyro on the island. It turned into a quest of epic proportions. We walked, we sampled, we debated. Ultimately, the winner was a tiny little hole-in-the-wall place that looked like it hadn't been updated since the 80s. But the gyros? Perfection. The meat was juicy, the pita was soft, and the tzatziki? Oh, the tzatziki! We ordered a second round and then seriously considered moving in. Truly, this day was elevated by the greatness of those gyros.
- Afternoon: Explored a tiny little fishing harbor. Watched the boats bobbing in the water, and I was completely at peace. It made me want to buy a boat and a one-way ticket.
- Evening: Another dinner, another sunset. This time, though, I felt a genuine sense of calm. The island had worked its magic. I found myself actually smiling at the locals. And no more tears. I'd completely forgotten to bring my "sad face".
- Night: Evening entertainment. A very bad (but somehow charming) Greek dance class. The instructor was a tiny, energetic woman with a voice that could shatter glass, the music was infectious. The dance moves proved I lacked rhythm, grace, and any sense of coordination. But I didn't care. I danced, I laughed, and I felt utterly ridiculous!
Day 4: Double Down on Delight
- Morning: Okay, so I mentioned a little bit of sunburn? I feel like I am the color of a lobster. I learned that I have my own personal weather system, and everything I own is now "lobster-red".
- Midday: Decided to completely abandon all attempts at "culture" and embrace the beach life. The sun, the sea, the gentle breeze… pure bliss. I even managed to read a whole chapter of my book without drifting off to sleep!
- Afternoon: The gyro place. Again. Because, seriously, those gyros were life-changing. We talked about it all afternoon. Replayed it on our memories.
- Evening: Decided to try a more formal dinner, which wasn't a smart move after so much gyro-happiness. The food was okay, but after the best gyro of our lives, nothing compares. I had a mild meltdown wondering if I could go back for a third time, but ultimately, I didn't. Regrets.
Day 5: Farewell to Paradise (and a Potential Meltdown)
- Morning: The dread. Luggage packing. The realization that this glorious escape was coming to an end. I found myself wandering around the hotel room, desperately trying to capture those feelings.
- Midday: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Bought way too many olives and some really hideous but incredibly comfortable sandals.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport (this time, the driver appeared to have mellowed out). The flight took off. The Aegean Sea dwindled as we flew further and further away, until I was left with only the memory of paradise.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was not planned perfectly, but it did the trick. I had some sunburn, ate too much, danced badly, and laughed until my sides ached. Kos, and more specifically, Alexandra Beach, stole a piece of my heart. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Would I change anything? Maybe pack more sunscreen. And definitely learn to dance before I get there.
(Post-Trip Note): Okay, I'm back. I miss the gyros. I might need to call a travel agency and book something now.
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Escape to Paradise: Alexandra Beach, Kos Island - Your Greek Dream Awaits! (Maybe...)
Okay, seriously, is it *actually* a paradise? The hype is real, yeah?
Okay, buckle up, because "paradise" is a loaded word, right? Look, Alexandra Beach is gorgeous. Really, *really* gorgeous. Turquoise water that just begs you to dive in, the beach is long and sandy (mostly), and the sunsets... oh man, the sunsets. They're the Instagram-filter fodder you've been craving. So, yes, in terms of visual splendor, it delivers. But...
Here's the thing - and real travel truth, for you - it's *packed*. Like, sardines-in-a-can packed, especially during peak season. Remember that mental image of you, serene, sipping a cocktail? Replace that with a frantic scramble for a sunbed and the soundtrack of screaming kids and the thumping bass from a nearby beach bar. Paradise, with a dash of mild chaos. Bring your patience.
My first time? Utter bliss for about 30 seconds, then I spent the next hour wrestling with a rogue beach umbrella that refused to stay put. Lost the battle, sunburned like a lobster. Still gorgeous though. Definitely bring a good sun hat and maybe a secret stash of earplugs. You'll thank me later.
What's the food situation like? I heard Greek food is amazing! (And I'm *always* hungry.)
Greek food? YES! It's amazing. Truly. Think: fresh seafood, flaky pastries, juicy grilled meats, mountains of feta... Alexandra Beach itself has a few restaurants, catering to the tourists without necessarily *knocking your socks off* with authentic Greek soul. Some are decent, some are, well, let's just say "catering to a different palates" than the locals.
The real treasure is venturing *off* the resort. Rent a scooter, brave the Greek traffic (it's a wild ride!), and explore the nearby villages. Find a taverna run by a family, where the grandma's in the kitchen, and the whole place smells of oregano and sunshine. Those are the *gems*.
My best meal? Found a tiny place tucked away, didn't look like much, but the moussaka was pure, unadulterated heaven. So good, I nearly licked the plate. My *worst* meal? A soggy gyro from a place right on the beach. Lesson learned: look beyond the "convenience" and seek out the real deal. Your stomach (and your soul) will thank you.
Accommodation: Is it a good place for families, or is it more coupley?
Alexandra Beach is... well, it's a bit of both, frankly. They *cater* to families, you'll see a lot of them. You'll also see a lot of couples, looking for some relaxation. The hotel has a kids' club and family friendly pools, and a mini-market.
But, the overall atmosphere is a bit... bustling. Be prepared for some noise. A LOT of noise. Screaming kids in the pool, loud music emanating from the bars. Consider earplugs. And a healthy dose of patience.
For couples, it's romantic *potential*, not the *guaranteed* romance. It has the ingredients, but the overall volume of activities is a bit much. If you're looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, you might want to look elsewhere. If you're looking for a place you can enjoy and everyone else enjoys theirs life, you're in luck.
The pools - are they any good? Or overcrowded?
The pools... Okay, let's be real. They're *good*. They're clean, they're inviting (the water is usually a lovely temperature), and they're a welcome escape from the beach when you need a break. But... overcrowded? Absolutely.
The best tactic? Get up early. Seriously. Dawn patrol. Claim a sunbed (with your towel, of course - that's the unwritten rule of holiday life, right?), and then you've got a prime pool spot. Or, embrace the chaos and just jump in. It is what it is.
My personal experience? Arrived at 10 am, looked for a spot, could not find one. Later I found a spot with a great view and enjoy my time. It's about managing your expectations, people! And maybe bringing a book to distract yourself from all the splashing.
What about activities? Is there anything to *do* besides sunbathe and eat? (Although... that sounds pretty good.)
Okay, so, sunbathing and eating are pretty high on the to-do list, let's be honest. But yes, there's more! Kos Island has some serious history and some lovely things to do.
You can rent bikes (Kos is great for cycling!), explore the ruins of the Asklepieion (an ancient healing temple - very cool!), visit the Kos Town harbor, check out the medieval castle, Dungeons, and the Tree of Hippocrates.
The most memorable for me? The boat trips! We booked a day trip to the neighboring islands. We found ourselves island hopping, snorkeling in crystal-clear water, and the food... oh boy. The food. Bring your camera. The scenery is a jaw-dropper. Seriously, don't miss it. Then again, if you're the type who just wants to chill out and read a book, that's perfectly acceptable too. No judgment here.
Transportation: How easy is it to get around?
Kos Island is a pretty manageable size, which is great. The resort? Well, it's reasonably easy to get around from the airport. You can easily catch a Taxi or pre-booking a transfer is also easy. From Alexandra Beach, it depends again.
If you want to venture to Kos Town or other parts of the island, renting a car or scooter is a fantastic idea. You'll be able to explore at your own pace and find those hidden beaches and little tavernas that the tour buses miss. The roads are generally in pretty good shape, but be prepared for some narrow streets and the occasional goat crossing.
Me? I rented a scooter. Felt like a rebel. Got lost *constantly*. But had some of the best adventures of the entire trip. (Just, uh, maybe get a good map and learn your hand signals first. And be careful out there!. It's not for the faint of heart.)
What's the nightlife like? Is it banging, or more chilled?
